Parent Commentary

Reflection:
So as a first year menemacer, I have learned a lot. One thing that is most important to me is writing a paper. Throughout my life, I know I will need to write papers in college and on job resumes. So constructing a paper correctly is very crucial to me. Being in menemac English core, has taught me how to construct a paper in a way so there are important traits that are followed. These traits include ideas, voice, organization, and word choice.

According to my introductory letter, I stated “I want to work on my writing skills. I want to write more vivid and detailed essays. Another thing I want to work on is building up my vocabulary so I can write better stories or essays.” Overall, I think I followed up on all of my goals. I have learned a lot of new vocabulary words and learned how to apply them to my essays. I have also been able to write vivid and detailed stories, thanks to my “word choice” and “voice” trait. I really believe that being in the menemac core has benefitted me for the better.

Proud Achievements: I am most proud of my "voice" and "organization" traits. In the first quarter, I already had the concept of voice and organization but I didn’t fully understand it. I knew that using voice was based on personal perspectives and being myself, which wasn't hard. The same goes for the "organization" trait. Although I understand the process, due to 8th grade, I only got 3's on both traits. At first, I didn't understand what I was doing wrong, but then as we began to write more and more essay I had a better understanding of the two traits. I am proud to say that I fully grasp the two traits. To me, I believe that it was my proudest achievements. I guess you can say practice makes perfect. Besides traits, I am so proud of my KC3 essay. It was the only essay in the entire first and second quarter, that I got all 4’s on each trait (4/4). Not only does it shows me the progress in my understanding in the traits, but it also shows me that it is NOT impossible to get a perfect paper in English.

Challenges: In the beginning of the year, I had a lot of challenges with the "ideas" and "word choice" trait. Whenever I wrote my papers, I either had too much detail which threw off my focus or I put unnecessary words to describe a topic. The more I tried to be “more descriptive”, my papers would lose focus which affected my “ideas” and my “word choice” traits. Throughout the second quarter, I began to understand how to make my paper more focused. I have learned that by using smaller yet effective words, I made my paper focus more on the topic then the vocabulary words. I have also improved my vocabulary and I have learned how to use the new words.

Goals for next year: My goals next year is to keep up the good work. After only 2 quarters, I believe that my understanding of the traits is strong. My goal in the beginning of the quarter was to get at least one perfect paper and I have succeeded. My goal next year is to continue to do the same. When I first received the 4/4 paper, I was thrilled and speechless! I want to have that feeling again. I am aiming for the best and I am going to try my hardest to get another 4/4 paper. Since I grasp the concept of the 4 traits, I don’t think it will be as hard as the first time. It’s all about how to structure a paper.

After looking through my portfolio, please answer the following questions listed:

What did you like best about my portfolio and portfolio conference? What would you like to see me improve on in my portfolio?

From your point of view, which of my attainments of the 4 traits of writing is of most value? Please explain why you feel it is important and what about my documentation of it impresses you.

Which of the traits of writing would you like me to focus on in the coming semester?

heres the link to my portfolio.
English Portfolio

~The Cycle of Interdependency~ Rough Draft

~The Cycle of Interdependency~
By: Maddie Nguyen

Interdependence; a word that means to depend on each other. In my social and educational life as a Mene Mac student, I always end up relying on something to get through the day. Besides myself, I can honestly say that everyone and everything on our planet Earth counts on one another. We all cause ripple effects. Everything we do never just affects one’s self; it affects the people around us as well. Some people may cause small ripples and some may cause big ripples. It all comes down to the things we do. In my essay, I will discuss scenarios when I needed to count on someone or something which later impacted me personally and educationally.
This year is my freshman year. The first time I came to high school, I had butterflies in my stomach. My goal was to join at least one committee. To my excitement, I discovered the home coming committee, who desperately needed volunteers to help, and I immediately agreed to join. Little did I know that I was going to play a big role in interdependency. My responsibility on the committee was acting and dancing in the homecoming performance. I snatched the leading act and I tried my best. Each person had a critical role on the committee. There was the president who was in charge, prop makers, two choreographers, backup dancers who also acted, and last but not least the two primary actors and dancers. If we did not have a president, then we probably would not have gotten anything done. The president was the one in charge of putting people to work and in charge of the scripts for actors, so everyone counted on the president. I see the president like she is the ribbon which keeps a present together. The prop makers were important as well because without them, our entire performance would not have made sense. We needed the artistic producers to make the presentation better. I consider them to be the appealing bow on a present. The choreographers were very crucial too, they were the ones who made up all the dance moves which we performed on opening night. All of the dancers relied on the choreography. The thing with choreographers, were that they are hard to find. They needed to be creative, have dancing talent, be committed, and most importantly, be outstanding. They are what I consider the wrapping paper which wraps everything together. Finally, there were the actual performers, which is where I came into play. We were the ones who are committed to every rehearsal and work very hard to not mess up. We are the entire show and who the audience came to see. So everyone depended on us to do a good job. I consider us performers, to be the actual gift to everyone. Altogether, the homecoming committee would have only succeeded if every person did their job. After months of practicing, we finally came together and made magic happen.

As a Mene Mac student, I have experienced many interactions by being in the learning program. The learning program requires 3 core classes. We consult in different ways to complete a project. In biology, we are in the process of an E-cyber mission. Our goal is to create a group project that will help living things. Each group has 3-4 people who work together and try to brainstorm a bullet proof assignment. In each group there is a leader who keeps everything in order, the creative writer, the researcher, and person who is in charge of the testing. The creative writer is the person who writes up a report on the project based on the scientific method. The researcher is the person who gathers all the data, makes inquiries, and delves more into the topic. The person in charge of testing is the one who tests the hypothesis, assists the group, and tries to facilitate the project. In the end we all collaborate in hopes of going to nationals. While in English, we have strong communication through blogging. We post up our rough drafts, comment on our peers’ drafts, and wait for them to comment on ours. If someone does not contribute in the commenting, then it affects them and their group members. So we all rely on one another to get our work done. In this class, we are also in the progress of a Kc3 project. For this assignment, our class got divided into three groups. My group is working on invasive species. So with six group members, we are tasked to do thorough research on different subtopics. After my team did all of the research, we came together and reported to the rest of our group about our own subtopic. As of now, we are using the information that we have attained to set up a presentation. Our Kc3 project is a good example of interdependency. My third Mene Mac core is Hawaiian history. In the first quarter, we were assigned to a specific topic about what happened when foreigners overthrew the Hawaiian monarchy. My group project was on the Reciprocity Treaty, my history teacher required each person to be in charge of a specific task. There was the power point person, the quiz maker, the researcher, and the game maker. We counted on each team member to be responsible for their assignment. In the end we had to present our topic to the class and the class presented their topic to us. It helped prepare us for an upcoming exam. Overall, being a Mene Mac student is a benefit to me in a good way by teaching me the value of team work.

In a way, being interdependent is rewarding. Without interdependence then nothing on our planet would be able to function correctly. We all rely on each other. For instance, plants count on us for carbon dioxide and we count on the plants for oxygen. We lean on other people and other people lean on us. Being interdependent is beneficiary for anybody who wants to be successful in life. Every job out there requires interaction and association with people or things. For example, nurses and doctors need sick patients to make money and sick patients need doctors to be cured. As you can see, interdependency is all around us even if we don’t realize that it is. Throughout my experiences, I've begun to understand the cycle of interdependency.

Interdependence

Introduction:

Interdependence; a word that means to depend on each other. Throughout my social and educational life as a mene Mac student, I always end up relying on something to get through the day. Besides myself, I can honestly say that everyone and everything on our planet Earth count on one another. We all cause ripple effects. Everything we do never just affects one self. It affects the people around us as well. Some people may cause small ripples and some may cause big ripples. It all comes down to the things we do. In my essay, I will discuss scenarios when I needed to count on someone or something which later impacted me personally and educationally.


Body:
Paragraph#1: (interdependence)A personal experience
Paragraph#2: (interdependence)Learning experiences by being a menemacer


Conclusion: In a way, being interdependent is rewarding. Without interdependence then nothing on our planet would be able to function correctly.....

Journal #18

Empathy:

definition: understanding how another person feels.

own experience: divorce/seperation
MOVING EVERY YEAR
Stress at school
Furlough Fridays

learning experience: ??

Interdependence:

definition:It means to depend on one another.

Personal experience: recycling
homecoming committee
cleaning after myself
cleaning up my house
taking care of my stuff

Learning Experience: KC3 Project
Peer Commentary
ecybermission
History Presentaion

Rough Draft Photoshop for Kc3

Kc3 Final

~The War Against Alien Invaders~

KC3 Final Draft -----> By: Maddie Nguyen

Hawaii was first introduced to the world in 1778 by Captain Cook. Ever since then, foreigners from around the world have been invading the tropical island, slowly taking over. These foreigners, however, were not the only ones to come and deplete the natural beauty of the Hawaiian Islands. Foreigners have brought 4,000 to 20,000 various plants because of their beauty or sustenance. What they did not know was that these plants would not only become an infestation, but cause damage to Hawaii’s environment and native species as well. As of today, the species of invasive plants are numerous and are dominating Hawaii’s land ecosystem. Because invasive plants are impacting Hawaii’s land ecosystem, our community has developed programs and even taken time to personally help prevent invasive species from demolishing Hawaii’s environment.

One of the most lethal land alien plants in Hawaii is the exotic South Asian ginger. This plant originated from Southern Asia and was brought in by immigrants who came to Hawaii in the 1900's to work on sugar plantations. These immigrants brought the South Asian ginger because of its beauty, not knowing that the plant would diminish Hawaii’s forests. Nowadays, many people do not realize that it is fatal to the native plants and Hawaii’s forests because of its deceivingly beautiful appearance. Kaliji pheasants are birds who consume the plant’s crimson berries and unintentionally disperse the seeds around the island, rapidly increasing the inhabitants of Asian ginger. This exotic plant causes destruction by displacing native plants that live in the Hawaiian forests. Hapuu tree ferns, Laua’e ferns, Limukele, and Limukaulaua are examples of native ferns and mosses that shelter the forests from rain. This prevents flooding from occurring in riverbanks, streams, and thus losing its purpose of a watershed. A watershed is basically an area that shelters lakes, rivers, ponds, and etcetera from rain so that it does not overflow. The function of a watershed is important to Hawaii’s forests because without it, the rain would obliterate all of Hawaii’s water sources. Another alien species that is radiant yet invasive to the Hawaiian Islands is the banana poka. The banana poka is originally from South America and was brought over to Hawaii before 1921 by settlers. “Native to the Andes, the vine was probably brought to Hawai'i as an ornamental because of its ostentatious, pink flowers. Banana poka was apparently planted at most of the sites that currently have heavy infestations” [2]. Another reason why settlers brought the banana poka to Hawaii is because of the banana fruit that it produces. This plant may look harmless, but it is very robust and can take on an eight foot tree. The banana poka strangles and suffocates native trees such as the Hawai'i Creeper, Hawai'i Akepa and the 'Akiapola'au. The vines of the invasive plant suppress oxygen and sunlight from the native trees. As the invasive plant gradually kills off the native tree, it allows excess amount of sunlight to damage the second and third layer of the rainforest. Due to the banana poka plant, Hawaii’s forest is debilitating and native plants for instance, the Hawai'i Creeper, Hawai'i Akepa and the 'Akiapola'au are coming closer to extinction.

In Maui, a local resident referred to as Pat Bily has contributed to the battle against Hawaii’s invasive South Asian ginger, banana poka, and other various invasive plants. The devoted plant specialist is passionate about the situation and volunteers his time to defend Hawaii from harmful invasive plants. In fact, Bily’s zeal for Hawaii’s environment motivated him to establish the Maui Invasive Species Committee (MISC). “Everyone has a tremendous respect for Pat’s dedication, commitment, and hard work. He is a true hero.” says Mark White, Director of Maui Programs for the Conservancy. Bily pursues his duty of battling invasive plants by going on voluntary monthly trips to Conservancy’s Maui preserves refurbishing fences, removing detrimental weeds, and planting seeds of awareness in the community. Canoe members, hunters, local students and the community in general were motivated into volunteering because of Pat Bily’s effort to care for Hawaii’s environment. The MISC has also inspired other committees to form on other islands, showing that anyone can make a difference.

Oahu was an island inspired by the MISC to start the Oahu Invasive Species Committee (OISC) on May 22, 2000. A wide spread invasion of multiple plant species has become a danger to the environment. Nearly hundreds of plants have slowly taken over our island. The situation got so severe that an intern from the University of Rhode Island flew to Hawaii. Hearing about the non-native plants that are annihilating Hawaii’s land ecosystem, he was determined to unite with the OISC and assist by removing invasive plants. “But rather than managing widespread populations of established invasive plants, the OISC is using scientific assessments and field surveys to predict which incipient weed might become invasive in the future,” states Joshua Atwood, intern for the OISC. This process allows the OISC to perform more efficiently and informs the committee whether to terminate the alien plant or to continue searching elsewhere. Throughout the years, the OISC has helped decrease the amount of invasive species around Oahu.

Hawaii Department of Agriculture’s (HDOA) Plant Pest Control is state agency that helps Hawaii’s environment from invasive plants. Ninety-Five percent of major pests currently in Hawaii have been detected by the HDOA Plant Pest Control Branch. This branch distinguishes invasive species using a “developed weed harmful assessment”[1]. The agency then identifies on recently arrived non-native species and determines their invasive potential. The HDOA Plant Pest Control Branch is composed of two sections which is the Biological and the Chemical/Mechanical (C/M) Control Section. The Biological Control Section consists of groups operating together distinguishing new immigrant pests, investigating native habitats to observe the natural enemies of the invasive pest, and so on. The C/M Control Section on the other hand combats invasive plants by using chemical/mechanical methods such as trapping to control or eliminate the invasive plants. C/M Section staff also provides technical advice to land owners or managers to lessen the impact of noxious weeds. The Plant Pest Control C/M Section includes observing habitats for the attendance of harmful weeds. Another subdivision in the HDOA that stops invasive plants is the Plant Quarantine Branch. The Plant Quarantine Branch is in charge of an ongoing project known as “First Class Mail”. The HDOA Plant Quarantine Branch has the authority to examine first-class and priority mail since they have discovered that mail packages have been the number one transportation for alien plants to Hawaii. “The HDOA Plant Quarantine Branch has been known as a major breakthrough and has fortified the HDOA inspection programs to prevent the introduction of harmful plants from entering into the State” states Sandra Kunimoto, Chairperson for the Hawaii Department of Agriculture.

Overall Hawaii’s land ecosystem is slowly being dominated by the invasive plants. The Asian ginger weed and banana poka are just two examples of the many invasive plant species that are harming Hawaii’s environment. In turn, community group efforts and programs like the Maui Invasive Species Committee, Oahu Invasive Species Committee, HDOA Plant Pest Control, and HDOA Plant Quarantine Branch have been developed to help combat the invasive plant species. With society's help, Hawaii might still have a chance in the war against harmful plant invaders. If society does not contribute to this war, then our native species will become extinct and our environment will be destroyed.

Foot Notes:

---

[1] Atwood,Joshua. Saving Hawaii From Alien Plants. 30 March 2009. National Science Foundation. 12 Nov. 2009 <http://www.nsf.gov/discoveries/disc_summ.jsp?cntn_id=114152&org=DGE>

[2] No publisher. Alien Plants. No revision date. University of Hawaii. 13 Nov. 2009 http://www.botany.hawaii.edu/faculty/duffy/book/1990_chap/13.pdf

---------------------------------------------

Biobliography:

Internet Sources:

Naomi Sodetani. A Weed Warrior Battles to Save Native Forests. No given Revision Date. The Nature Conservancy. 10 Nov. 2009 >

Atwood,Joshua. Saving Hawaii From Alien Plants. 30 March 2009. National Science Foundation. 12 Nov. 2009 <http://www.nsf.gov/discoveries/disc_summ.jsp?cntn_id=114152&org=DGE>

Simberloff,Daneil. Introduced Speies: The Threat to Biodiersity & What Can Be Done. December 2000. American Institute of Biological Science. 7 November 2009 <http://www.actionbioscience.org/biodiversity/simberloff.html>

No publisher. Alien Plants. No revision date. University of Hawaii. 13 Nov. 2009 http://www.botany.hawaii.edu/faculty/duffy/book/1990_chap/13.pdf

Kunimoto,Sandra. Plant Pest Control. No Revision Date Given. Department of Agriculture. 13 November 2009<http://hawaii.gov/hdoa/pi/ppc>

Kunimoto,Sandra. Plant Quarantine. No Revision Date Given. Department of Agriculture. 13 November 2009<http://hawaii.gov/hdoa/pi/pq/pq>

No Publisher. Passiflora Tarminiana. 12 November 2009. Wikimedia Foundation. 13 Nov. 2009

<>

Interviews:

Harris,Jason. Interview Personal. Honolulu Zoo. November 4,2009

Chan,Norton.Interview Personal.Waikiki Aquarium.November 4,2009

Rough Draft Kc3

~The War Against Alien Invaders~

KC3 Rough Draft -----> By: Maddie Nguyen

Hawaii was first introduced to the world in 1778 by Captain Cook. Ever since then, foreigners have been invading the tropical island, slowly taking over. Foreigners, however, were not the only ones to come and deplete the natural beauty of the Hawaiian Islands. Foreigners have brought 4,000 to 20,000 various plants because of their beauty or sustenance. What they did not know is how the plants would not only become an infestation, but they will cause damage as well. As of today, the species of invasive plants are numerous and are dominating Hawaii’s land ecosystem. Because invasive plants are impacting Hawaii’s land ecosystem, our community has developed programs and even taken time to personally help prevent invasive species from demolishing Hawaii’s environment.

One of the most lethal land alien plants in Hawaii is the exotic South Asian ginger. This plant originated from Southern Asia and was brought in by Asians who came to Hawaii in the 1900's to work. Nowadays, many people do not realize that it is fatal because of its exquisite appearance. Birds consume the plant’s crimson berries and unintentionally disperse the seeds around the island proliferating the inhabitants of Asian ginger. This exotic plant causes destruction by displacing native plants that live in the Hawaiian forests. For instance, Hapuu tree ferns, Laua’e ferns, Limukele, and Limukaulaua are examples of native ferns and mosses that serve as a blanket preventing rain from filtering into the forest. If the South Asian ginger relocates these native plants then the forest would be vulnerable to rain and the forest would lose its purpose as a watershed. Another alien species that is radiant yet invasive to the Hawaiian Islands is the banana poka. The banana poka is originally from South America and was brought over to Hawaii in the 1900’s by settlers who used the plant’s fruit as food. The appearance of the banana poka is a vine with ostentatious flowers and banana fruits. This plant may look harmless, but it is very robust and can take on an eight foot tree. The banana poka asphyxiates native trees such as the Hawai'i Creeper, Hawai'i Akepa and the 'Akiapola'au. The vines of the invasive plant suppress oxygen and sunlight from the native trees. As the invasive plant gradually kills off the native tree, it allows excess amount of sunlight to damage the second and third layer of the rainforest. Due to the banana poka plant, Hawaii’s forest is debilitating and native plants for instance, the Hawai'i Creeper, Hawai'i Akepa and the 'Akiapola'au are coming closer to extinction.

In Maui, a local resident referred to as Pat Bily has contributed to the battle against Hawaii’s invasive South Asian ginger, banana poka, and other various invasive plants. The devoted plant specialist is passionate about the situation and volunteers his time to defend Hawaii from harmful invasive plants. In fact, Bily’s zeal for Hawaii’s environment motivated him to establish the Maui Invasive Species Committee (MISC). “Everyone has a tremendous respect for Pat’s dedication, commitment, and hard work. He is a true hero.” says Mark White, Director of Maui Programs for the Conservancy. Bily pursues his duty of battling invasive plants by going on voluntary monthly trips to Conservancy’s Maui preserves and removing detrimental weeds, refurbish fences, and plant seeds of awareness in the community. Local students, canoe members, hunters, and the community in general were motivated into volunteering because of Pat Bily’s effort to care for Hawaii’s environment. The MISC has also inspired other committees to form on other islands, showing that anyone can make a difference.

Oahu was an island inspired by the MISC to start the Oahu Invasive Species Committee (OISC). A wide spread invasion of multiple plant species has become a danger to the environment. Nearly hundreds of plants have slowly taken over our island. The situation got so severe that an intern from the University of Rhode Island flew to Hawaii. Hearing about the non-native plants that are annihilating Hawaii’s land ecosystem he was determined to unite with the OISC and assist by removing invasive plants. “But rather than managing widespread populations of established invasive plants, the OISC is using scientific assessments and field surveys to predict which incipient weed might become invasive in the future,” states Joshua Atwood, intern for the OISC.

Hawaii Department of Agriculture’s (HDOA) Plant Pest Control is state agency that helps Hawaii’s environment from invasive plants. Ninety-Five percent of major pests currently in Hawaii have been detected by the HDOA Plant Pest Control Branch. This branch distinguishes invasive species using a “developed weed harmful assessment”[1]. The agency then identifies on recently arrived non-native species and determines their invasive potential. The HDOA Plant Pest Control Branch is composed of two sections which is the Biological and the Chemical/Mechanical (C/M) Control Section. The Biological Control Section consists of groups operating together perceiving new immigrant pests, investigating native habitats to observe the natural enemies of the invasive pest, and so on. The C/M Control Section on the other hand combats invasive plants by using chemical/mechanical methods such as trapping to control or eliminate the invasive plants. C/M Section staff also provides technical advice to land owners or managers to lessen the impact of noxious weeds. The Plant Pest Control C/M Section includes observing habitats for the attendance of harmful weeds. Another subdivision in the HDOA that stops invasive plants is the Plant Quarantine Branch. The Plant Quarantine Branch is in charge of an ongoing project known as “First Class Mail”. Since first class mails have been a major path for the invasive plants or plant products to be transported to Hawaii, the HDOA Plant Quarantine Branch has the capability to scrutinize first-class and priority mail packages. The HDOA Plant Quarantine Branch has been known as a major breakthrough and has fortified the HDOA inspection programs to prevent the introduction of harmful plants from entering into the State.

Overall Hawaii’s land ecosystem is slowly being dominated by the invasive plants. The Asian ginger weed and banana poka are just two examples of the many invasive plant species that are harming Hawaii’s environment. In turn, community group efforts and programs like the Maui Invasive Species Committee, Oahu Invasive Species Committee, HDOA Plant Pest Control, and HDOA Plant Quarantine Branch have been developed to help combat the invasive plant species. With society's help, Hawaii might still have a chance in the war against harmful plant invaders.

Foot Notes:

---

[1] Atwood,Joshua. Saving Hawaii From Alien Plants. 30 March 2009. National Science Foundation. 12 Nov. 2009 <http://www.nsf.gov/discoveries/disc_summ.jsp?cntn_id=114152&org=DGE>

---------------------------------------------

Biobliography:

Internet Sources:

Naomi Sodetani. A Weed Warrior Battles to Save Native Forests. No given Revision Date. The Nature Conservancy. 10 Nov. 2009 <http://www.nature.org/wherewework/northamerica/states/hawaii/projectprofiles/art20660.html>

Atwood,Joshua. Saving Hawaii From Alien Plants. 30 March 2009. National Science Foundation. 12 Nov. 2009 <http://www.nsf.gov/discoveries/disc_summ.jsp?cntn_id=114152&org=DGE>

Simberloff,Daneil. Introduced Speies: The Threat to Biodiersity & What Can Be Done. December 2000. American Institute of Biological Science. 7 November 2009 <http://www.actionbioscience.org/biodiversity/simberloff.html>

Kunimoto,Sandra. Plant Pest Control. No Revision Date Given. Department of Agriculture. 13 November 2009<http://hawaii.gov/hdoa/pi/ppc>

Kunimoto,Sandra. Plant Quarantine. No Revision Date Given. Department of Agriculture. 13 November 2009<http://hawaii.gov/hdoa/pi/pq/pq>

Interviews:

Harris,Jason. Interview Personal. Honolulu Zoo. November 4,2009

Chan,Norton.Interview Personal.Waikiki Aquarium.November 4,2009

Kc3:Rough Draft Impromptu Plans

(Introduction)

(Cause)- The invasive plant and what are they doing to harm the environment?

(Effect)- Programs

(Effect)- People

(Conclusion)

Journal #14- Thesis Statement

Topic: Invasive Species

Subtopic: Programs/People to protect hawaii from invasive land plants

Statement: Because invasive plants are impacting Hawaii's land ecosystem, our community has developed programs and even taken time out personally, to help prevent invasive land plants from destroying Hawaii's environment.

Journal #13

Done in class....

Kc3 Project Plans

1. Shaneika Aguilar, Madelynne Nguyen, Jorjiane Guasch, Rebekah Morales, Korie Lum, and Kevin Caguillo

2. Invasive alien species and biodiversity

3. Starting off small (subtopics):

Shaneika Aguilar - Invasive alien land species and its effects

Korie Lum - invasive alien freshwater/saltwater species and its effects

Rebekah Morales - Research on our local biodiversity and why it must be preserved

Madelynne Nguyen - Programs to protect our local species and its effectiveness

Jordie Guasch - Invasive alien plants and their effects on the environment

Kevin Caguillo - invasive alien insects/pests and its effects

Other Plans:

(Those who are in charge, but the whole group is still involved)

Shaneika Aguilar: Visiting and documenting a place on Oahu.

Madelynne Nguyen: Conduct a survey on Survey Monkey that will provide data from other students in different states/countries about the environmental issues you are researching.

Korie Lum: Find and interview an "authority" on your topic. The interview and appropriate B-roll or still pictures will be part of our documentary video.

*Everyone must remember to write down the bibliography and credit the places and sites of where they received their information for this project.


Additional Information (Group Portion)
Shaneika and Korie: Video - Storyboard and edit and present the video documentary of your topic.

Maddie: Interactive Portion - Plan and present an activity that will get your audience to think and interact with us - something challenging and engaging. Create, post, and analyze team survey on Survey Monkey.

Shaneika and Kevin: Create the powerpoint that will highlight the main points of your research and present it in the videoconference

Jordie and Rebekah: Pre-conference website and activity -(Jordie) Create the website and the (Rebekah) pre-conference online activity that will introduce your topic and will help to "hook" and focus your audience.

Jordie: Scripting - Write the script for the presentation. Serve as "host" the videoconference.

Important Notice:

Each team member is required to print 3 articles that are related to our topic.

As a group, come up with one thesis statement.

Each team member will compose a well-written essay based on our topic.

*Everyone must remember to write down the bibliography and credit the places and sites of where they received their information for this project.

Kc3 Project

Hey Maddie!!

This is just a reminder. 

Here is your finalized assignment to clear up the confusion:

- Find 2 excellent resource articles related to your subtopic, which is programs that are trying to protect our local species and its effectiveness (Class assignment):

Here are the questions that need to be answered:

   - What is the name of the person that is finding a solution to this crisis?

- What are they doing?

- Has their strategies benefitted the environment or has there been any progress since they started finding solutions to the problems?

- What are the species that they are trying to prevent from worsening? What are the species that they are helping to survive the crisis (native species)?

- Begin on Survey Monkey survey questions draft (will be assigned on Thursday by Ms. Sueoka. No rush). And try ask Ms. Sueoka if we can advertise our survey worldwide.

- Research programs that are trying to protect our local species and its effectiveness (Group Assignment)

- Make sure to add a bibliography and credit every source that you use

- Come up with 5-8 interview questions for the interview that Me and Korie are holding.

Due by Thursday, October 29, 2009 - Turn in to Shaneika, except for the class assignment :)

Check Out My Book- Jack and Jill by James Patterson

If You cant read the problem & solution,

Problem: >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Solution: Alex Cross ends up working with both cases. Jack and Jill worked their way up  to the top of the chain and planned to kill the president. Their plan was a success
and although Alex Cross was not able to stop the execution, Detective Cross figured out that
Jill was Jack’s misstress and worked in the white house. Jack was a CIA agent’s husband.
The CIA agent was the one who planned everything. Jill was left to die as Jack and his wife
got arrested but were murdered in prison. During this time the school killer framed a  fellow military cadet about the local child killings. Detective Cross’s partner, detective Sampson, was tracking the Sojourner Truth killer. Finally the detectives found that the school killer was actually a disturbed 13 year old boy. In the end, Alex Cross undergo
the pressure of solving two important cases.

Journal#12: Fire and Ice

Fire:

- I don't like how there's project after project due. Its really stressing and I feel like I have to work extra hard to maintain an exceptional grade.

- When my partners take forever to post of their essays and wait last minute. It makes me worry when they are procrastinating.

Ice:

- I enjoy to blogging and updating my profile. Its fun and educational all at the same time!

- I love how we do peer commenting on my essays. It helps me to revise better on my blog.

-The air condition rooms!!! I am so glad that we a fortunate enough to have most core classes in a cold class.. I LOVE COLD!! When I talk to my friends that aren't in mene mac, they are fortunate to have at least 1 air conditioned class.

- I like how teachers getting involved with students through blog, have a better communication.

-Last but not LEAST, I enjoy venting..

Final REVISION

The Sacred Chamber

By: Maddie Nguyen

It was finally 4 o'clock. The yellow school bus full of screaming kids dropped me off in front of my house. The rubber tires screeched as smoke trailed from the exhaust pipe. The excessive yelling was faint now, but my head was still throbbing. I took in a deep breath, my eyes half open as the muscles in my shoulders tightened from the stressful day. My heels were sore and raw as I started up the stone pavement pathway that led to an elegant gate. Two white stone lions stared lifelessly at me, It seemed as though the lions were my personal protectors and I was the helpless princess.

Laughing at the fantasy, I felt relief coming home to my house or as I used to call it, my "castle". I took out my keys and kept twisting and turning it until the door finally opened. As I stepped in the house a blast of ice cold air rushed outside. I closed the door behind me and enjoyed the cool air. I shouted out to see if any one was home. There was no reply.

I took off my shoes and let my tensed feet touch the frozen marble floor. I shivered for a brief moment and then made my way to the living room. The living room, which was covered in carpet, was a lot more suitable for my sensitive feet then the frigid floor. I looked around and everything was clean and tidy. The tan sofas looked inviting and the brown pillows on the sofa gave the room an antique but elegant look. A tan marble table under a unique patterned rug pulled the elegant look together. 42 inches of plasma screen hung above the brick fireplace. I ran upstairs to change into a comfortable loose tee and my favorite cotton shorts. Once I changed, I rushed back downstairs .

For a split second I was afraid of being home alone. It was silly, but thats when I rushed into a room in the house that I felt safe in. Out of all the rooms in my house I just wanted to go to the study room where i would usually go in and cuddle with a good book, read, hangout, watch a movie, study, play games and it was also my peaceful place i can go to be alone but feel safe all at the same time.

I turned the golden knob that held its place on the white painted door, anxious to get in. I brought the blanket that laid on the couch just in case. The thermometer besides the door displayed the red needle at 60 degrees. I felt the air numbing my face as I stepped in. My feet sunk into the fluffy white carpet. It was like being on a dream cloud. My tense shoulders were loosened up once I took a big whiff of the familiar cinnamon apple scent. I knew this is where I belong. My study room or what I call my "sacred chamber" resembled who I was. I did all my studies, growing up from immature to mature, and I learned new things everyday from the countless books on the book shelf.

I noticed one of my favorites, Jack and Jill by James Patterson, still on the desk with a bookmark  in between the pages. Pictures of my family were framed and scattered on the creamy walls. In front of me was a game table that could be either turned into air hockey, foosball, poker or pool and I realized that the computer monitor was still on. Everything was exactly the same.

To the right were two beautiful dark mahogany desks. One desk was for the computer and one was to work on. The desks were big... I remembered when I was like 6 years old I would use to play hide and seek with my little sister. So when I went to go hide, I would sneak into the "sacred chamber" and hide in the drawers below the table. Even the drawers were comfortable because I feel asleep in there numerous times. Memories flooded back as I walked in the door. The book shelf was also dark mahogany and the books were organized by height.

I made my way to the big leather chair but came to a stop. I couldn't help but stare out the single window where sunlight poured in. From the window, I could see the backyard filled with green grass and bright flowers that bloom. Banana, pear, papaya, mango, and orange trees surrounded the backyard (my mom has a thing with fruit trees). It was a tropical paradise. The perfect view for (what I consider) the perfect place to be at peace. Sometimes I would catch myself staring out the windows for hours and not even realize it. Daydreaming or I would admire the beauty of the multi colored flowers that bloom. I saw many other things too, like the birds that would fly onto the trees, steal the fruits,and chirp a symphony. Then my 2 dogs would rapidly turned there heads spotting the birds and go off barking. After, they would turned around satisfied at themselves.

I continued walking until I sank down on the big leather chair and let out a big sigh. Life made sense for once and I had this feeling like there’s no one left in the world but me. It was as if an invincible bubble came up once I walked through the door and nothing depressing or irate could walk through. Happiness was now my new best friend. I can hear my own thoughts for once and I can hear it clearly enough to know what I want from myself or what the world has to offer. Confusing thoughts of exams and drama that lingered my mind throughout the day now disappeared. I was having those days where I felt like the whole world was against me and just wanted to see me fall. The emptiness in the chamber was a nice break from the cruel outside and once again I felt like a protected princess in a castle. I rested my head on the seemingly comfortable desk and slowly began to close my eyes because I knew I was safe.

Journal #4 Respond to Mrs.S

Dear Mrs. S,

Thank you for commenting on my pre-assessment. I agree that I should elaborate more on the specific situations involving the people, places & actions ect. If I improved on those specific details I also believed that my writing assessment would be better.

Journal#10: Rough Draft

The Sacred Chamber

By: Maddie Nguyen

It was finally 4 o'clock. The yellow school bus dropped me off in front of my house. The rubber tires screeched as smoke trailed from the exhaust pipe. I took a deep breath and smiled as my body began to loosen up from the stressful day. I started up the stone pavement pathway that led its way up to an elegant carved gate. Two white stone lions stared lifelessly at me, I felt as though the lions were my personal protectors. Upon the grass rested a big elderly oak tree that shaded half of the front lawn from the beating sun. I stared at the tree for a moment feeling grateful for the shadow that it cast against the sun. Like the stone lions, I felt as though the "grandpa" tree was my protector. 

 As I opened the gate, I took a glimpse of the front patio. A black table and matching chair set looked lovely on the stone floor. A cherry blossom tree shaded the patio and pink petals covered the floor. I also noticed my mom's hibiscus flowers was along the right side of the white front door. There were red, pink, yellow, and even purple flowers that flourished. Next to the flowers was a stone water fountain. It was so dazzling, especially at night when the twinkling christmas lights are on. Water trickling down from the top fountain, colored flowers blossomed, a radiant cherry blossom tree, matching black patio set, on a stone floor made me feel like I was in one of those romantic italian movies. It was a good place to be alone and reflect on my life.

Coming home to a dull red bricked house was a relief. I never got tired of coming home to my house or as I used to call it, my "castle". I took out my keys and started to turn the lock. I had to keep playing with the keys by twisting and turning too many times until it finally opened. As I stepped in the house a blast of ice cold air rushed outside. I closed the door behind me and enjoyed the cool air. I called out to see if any one was home. There was no reply. 

I quickly took off my shoes and let my warm feet touch the frozen marble floor. I made my way to the living room, which was covered in carpet. It was a break from the frigid floor. I was glad that the AC was still on. Everything was all clean and tidy. The tan sofas looked so inviting and the brown pillows on the sofa gave the room an antique but elegant look. A tan marble table under a unique patterned rug pulled the elegant look together. The colors were relaxing and settle. 42 inches of plasma screen hung above the brick fireplace. The plasma TV yelled out "Turn me on!". I tried my best to disobeyed the demand as I ran upstairs to change into a comfortable loose tee and my favorite cotton shorts. Once I changed, I rushed back downstairs .

For a split second I was afraid of being home alone. It was silly, but I rushed into a room in the house that I felt safe in. Out of all the rooms in my house I just wanted to go to the study room where i would go in and cuddle with a good book, read, hangout, watch a movie, study, play games and it is also my peaceful place i can go to to be alone but feel safe all at the same time.

 I turned the golden knob that held its place on the white painted door, anxious to get in. I brought the blanket that laid on the couch just in case. The thermometer besides the door displayed the red needle at 60 degrees. I felt the air numbing my face as I stepped in. My foot sunk into the fluffy white carpet. It felt like being on a dream cloud. I took a big whiff of the familiar cinnamon apple scent and I knew this is where i belong. My study room or what I call my "sacred chamber" resembled who I was. I did all my studies, growing up from immature to mature, and I learned new things everyday from the countless books on the book shelf. 

I noticed one of my favorites, Jack and Jill by James Patterson, still on the desk with a bookmark  in between the pages. Pictures of my family were framed and scattered on the cream walls. My wooden painting board was covered with splashes of paint and the brushes were set aside for later. In front of me was a game table that could be either turned into air hockey, foosball, poker or pool and I realized that the computer monitor was still on. Everything was exactly the same. 

To the right were two beautiful dark mahogany desks. One desk was for the computer and one was to work on. The desks were big... I remembered when I was like 6 years old I would use to play hide and seek with my little sister. So when I went to go hide, I would sneak into the "sacred chamber" and hide in the drawers below the table. Memories flooded back as I walked in the door. The book shelf was also dark mahogany and the books were organized by height. It seemed like the books were living happily all snugged together. As i made my way to the big leather chair, I couldn't help but stare out the single window where sunlight poured in. From the window, I could see the backyard filled with green grass and bright flowers that bloom. Banana, pear, papaya, mango, and orange trees surrounded the backyard (my mom has a thing with fruit trees). It was like a tropical paradise. The perfect view for (what I consider) the perfect place to be at peace. Sometimes I would catch myself staring out the windows for hours and not even realize it. Daydreaming or I would admire the beauty of the multi colored flowers that bloom. I even noticed the sun glistening on the dew of the grass. I saw many other things too, like the birds that would fly onto the trees, steal the fruits,and  chirp a symphony. Then my 2 dogs would rapidly turned there heads spotting the birds and go off barking. After, they would turned around satisfied at themselves. 

I sank down on the big leather chair and I felt like life made sense for once and I had this feeling like theres no one left in the world but me. It was as if an invincible bubble came up once I walked through the door and nothing depressing or irate could walk through. Happiness was now my new best friend. I can hear my own thoughts for once and I can hear it clearly enough to know what I want from myself or what the world has to offer. Confusing thoughts of exams and drama that lingered my mind throughout the day now disappeared. I was having those days where I felt like the whole world was against me and just wanted to see me fall. The emptiness in the chamber was a nice break from the cruel outside for once I felt like a protected princess in a castle. I rested my head on the seemingly comfortable desk and fell fast asleep.

Journal #9 Wild Meat and the Bully Burgers

Tell why your novel relates to cultural/ethnic roots and identity. Give specific examples from your reading...

I am reading "Wild Meat and the Bully Burgers", it relates to the cultural roots and identity because it talks about a Japanese-American and haole culture. A girl named Lovey  is ashamed of her culture and she would rather be haole. She believes that the haole culture is more sophisticated and thinks that once she becomes haole then she could do more with her life. Like live in a big house or have nice things. Overall "Wild Meat and the Bully Burgers" talks about the cultural differences between japanese and haole. Lovey believes that haole culture will allow her to find her true identity.

Examples from the book:

"Better to have straight blond hair and long Miss America legs and lots of boobs like Ginger Geiger, 'cause, to me, no sense in sending Miss Hawai'i to Atlantic City unless she's haole 'cause she never makes the finals, only Miss Congeniality. She got lots of Aloha Spirit that's why."

"I want a great name. Beckenhauser. Allen. Geiger. Smith. Brown. Cooper. Have a father with a great nickname like Richard-Dick. Rober-Bob. James-Jim. A mother with a great nickname like Debra-Debbie. Cynthia-Cindy. Susan-Sue."

"Live in a house with Dixie cup dispensers, bunk beds with ruffled sheets, bendable straws, rose shaped soap, Lysol, and Pez..... I wanna be Lovey Beth Cole. Mrs. Michael Cole. Wanna marry you, Dennis. Be a Cole. Be a haole. A japanese with a haole last name"

" I dont tell anyone, not even Jerry, how ashamed I am of pidgin English. Ashamed of my mother and father, the food we eat, chicken luau with can spinach and tripe stew. The place we live, down the house lots in the Hicks Homes that all look alike except for the angle of the house from the street. The car we drive, my father's brown Land Rover without the back window. THe clothes we wear, sometimes we have to wear the same pants in the same week and the same shoes until it breaks. Don't have no choice."

Journal #8 Brainstorming Special Place

HMMMM....

 

I might write about my study room at my house back in Texas... that was where I was raised. Its been almost 3 years now since I moved to hawaii........

Final REVISION

How to Party Laos Style

 By: Maddie Nguyen

 

As the rising sun peeked up on the horizon, the simmering chicken aroma trailed its way to my room. The smell was strong enough to wake me up from my deep slumber. As the aroma of the chicken broth mixed with a hint of red curry wrapped around my nose, my eyes opened wide quickly and I knew there was going to be a party today.

 

  I  threw back my warm sheets that comforted me all night to make my way to the bathroom. I quickly brush my teeth and got dressed, too ecstatic to speak. The wooden floor creaked as I slowly try to descend down the stairs gracefully and trying my hardest not to make a loud noise (a.k.a - trip and fall flat on my face). As I suspected, my mom was there cooking over the steaming hot stove. The fresh cut long bean, mint, purple and green cabbage stood out on the table.  The kitchen was flooded with huge used pots piled in the sink and 3 enormous ones on top of the stove my mom was hovering over. It was just how she liked it (unorganized). 

Aunties, uncles, cousins, friends, grandparents and siblings already crowded the living room waiting as anxiously as I was. As eager as I was, I was disappointed because I knew that the soup wouldn’t be done til 4PM. This would mean I would have to wait nine long dreadful hours. The large group of chattering people distracted me from going into the kitchen. My mouth watered as I was headed to the living room.  Out of no where, the tangy curry and fish sauce aroma hit me like a crashing wave. I was lured into the kitchen instead of the living room. I now remembered why I was up so early, it was to help my mom cook. I watched in amazement as everything in the kitchen came to life. I made my way to ask my mom if she needed any help, and of course I was in charge of shredding the chicken.

  

I peeled the chicken slowly watching the steam came from the tender white meat. Every once and a while I sneaked a little bit for myself... I think I got that habit from my mom. I remember she telling me " When I was little I always helped MY mom shred the chicken just so I can have a little with white rice and soy sauce". So instead of getting of being furious whenever I would try and take some chicken, when I was suppose to be shredding, I would hear a giggle escape her mouth. I kept peeling until there was nothing but a naked bone.

The nine hours slowly leaked by as the kaopuhn mocked me with its spicy and tangy smell. It made me want to eat the entire pot while it still boiled fiercely. Luckily I didn't try to, or the party would have ended with me in the hospital with a bright red, 360 degree tongue burn. 

The sound coming from the television blasted through the speakers as family members continue to chatter the time away and talked about funny memories or random things. Only some people payed attention to the voices coming from the television speakers. Others knew that the T.V was only on for display. Everyone who waited patiently since early morning began to hear a loud rumble echo in there stomach. A ripple effect of rumbling from this one area could be heard from miles away. Even the blasting surrond stereo couldn’t be heard compared to the sounds escaping from all the stomachs in the living room. This was a sign that lunch was done and I watched as a smile spread on everyones faces.

 

My entire family helped set up the table as the once scattered kitchen suddenly became tidy and organized. Everyone gathered around the table and viciously took a bowl for their soup. As I looked around the living room, I saw my family slurping and scarfing down the kaopuhn with eager and satisfied faces. Not one person was not smiling and having a good time. When I finally got my bowl, I took what I could before the 35 gallon pot was no more. 

When I sat down, I only focused on the food. I love the tremendous feeling of the hot soup trickling down my throat. It was like drinking hot coco on a cold day or slurping homemade chicken noodle soup when your sick as can be and all you could think about was the sweet chocolate warmth that comforted you when the weather wasn’t or the happiness you felt when the chicken soup made you feel like the world was finally at ease. That is exactly how comfortable, and at ease I felt once I  began to consume the soup once more. But instead of a sweet or mild taste, there hint of spice and tang that was still on my taste buds as an explosion of flavor erupted in my stomach. The soup was so spicy that just by looking at it, it made my eyes water. One word echoed through my mind “PERFECT”.  The fresh cabbage and long bean gave the soup an extra boost of crunch and texture. Too irresistible to not have seconds... if I had to only choose one food to eat forever it would definitely be ka poon. When my stomach got bloated and I felt as though I'm going to explode in a million pieces, I still couldn't resist the provocative new steaming bowl waiting in the kitchen.